Dogfish Head Sahtea

4.3/5

AROMA 9/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 17/20

750 ml bottle into snifter, bottled 4/20/2011. Pours a cloudy golden orange color with a small dense off white head with good retention that reduces to a thin cap that lingers. Some spotty lacing on the glass as well. Aromas of big ginger, cinnamon, clove, pepper, bubblegum, wood, chai tea, light fruits, honey, and yeast spices. Damn nice and interesting aromas; with good strength and balance. Taste of big chai tea, clove, pepper, cinnamon, wood, bubblegum, light fruits, honey, and yeast spices. Lingering notes of light fruits, pepper, honey, and spices on the finish for a bit. Fantastic balance of flavors and spices without getting too cloying. Medium carbonation and medium-full bodied; with a fairly creamy mouthfeel. Alcohol is extremely well hidden for 9%; with hardly any warming noticed at all. Overall this is an outstanding ancient style representation from Dogfish! Incredibly balanced, drinkable, and tasty; without being cloying with spices at all.

I know many people can't really appreciate the Ancient Ale offerings Dogfish puts out; but they really nailed this one. Incredible balance and flavor; with really smooth drinkability.